Camino Real Trek - 8D/7N

photo of The Camino Real Trek in Panama, courtesy of Tourism Board of Panama“Centuries before construction began on the Panama Railroad and Canal, the ‘path between the seas’ was just that: a Spanish-built cobblestone thoroughfare winding 50 miles across the Central American isthmus. Beginning in the 1500s, mule trains laden with Inca gold followed the Camino Real (King’s Road) from the Pacific to the Caribbean to meet galleons bound for Spain; buccaneers -Francis Drake and Henry Morgan among them- conspired to relieve them of their cargo. Once wide enough to fit two passing horse carts, the Camino Real is now hidden, along with jaguars and three-toed sloths, in the dense jungles of the 300,000-acre Chagres National Park”

Included: Lodging, all land, air and water transportation within Panama. All airport/hotel transfers on scheduled arrival and departure dates - Meals as specified in the itinerary (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner) - Park, museum and related entrance fees, guides’ services and expenses and the services of an in-bound land operator for airline re-confirmations and tour operations.

Not Included: International airfare - Tourist card ($5 per person), Meals not specified in the itinerary - Alcoholic beverages - Personal equipment - Extras in hotels (laundry, telephone calls, room service, etc.) or gratuities - Any personal expenses.

Notes: Travel within Chagres National Park is accomplished with great preparation on the part of our staff in order to make our guests as safe and comfortable as possible. Potential guests are expected to make themselves aware of the nature and demands of this trip and prudently judge whether or not they are suited for this type experience. A desire to experience the outdoors, a spirit of adventure, and willingness to sacrifice creature comforts are essential qualifications. Participants should be physically fit and able to hike at a moderate pace for up to eight hours in a day. Medical limitations and concerns should be brought to the attention of Ancon Expeditions of Panama several weeks prior to the program’s departure date - Minimum 2 passengers - Weight restrictions apply to luggage in commercial and chartered flights within Panama. A maximum of 25 lbs. of checked luggage and 10 lbs. of carry-on per person is allowed. Arrangements can be made to store luggage that will not be needed while away from the city. Excess baggage charges assessed by commercial carriers are the responsibility of the passenger. * Panama Canal Transit post tour extension available.
Trip Classification: Moderate - High. Expect full day treks of 5 to 7 hours per day over muddy, steep, slippery slopes. There will be exposure to variable climatic conditions. Plan for rugged traveling conditions and overnights in tents.
Equipment Checklist: Binoculars (preferably 7×35 or larger), camera with extra batteries & film, flashlight with extra bulb & batteries, bathing suit, insect repellant, sunscreen, hat, day pack, water bottle, lightweight/quick dry cotton clothes, windbreaker, sandals, sneakers/hiking boots, rain gear, money in small denominations, toiletries & personal medications. The Naturalist Guide carries a spotting scope.

Departures: March 8-15 // June 14-21 // July 19-26 // August 9-16 // Nov. 22-29 // December 13-20.

photo of Portobelo, Panama courtesy of Tourism Board of PanamaDay by day Itinerary:

  • Day 1 Arrive To Panama - On arrival to Tocumen International Airport in Panama City we will be greeted by a representative and transferred to our hotel. Tonight we will meet with the Expedition Leader and the rest of the trip participants. Night at Holiday Inn-Panama Canal (no meals).
  • Day 2 Historic Panama City - Emberá Village - Our morning begins with a thorough inspection of our equipment for the hike on the Camino Real. Afterwards, visit the ruins of Old Panama City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site which holds historical relevance to the area that we will be exploring in the upcoming days. Early afternoon drive to Madden Lake, where we board our motorized dug-out canoes in route to Embera village. Night at Emberá Village in screened tents. (B,L,D)
  • Days 3 – 5 Chagres National Park - We bid farewell to our new Embera friends and continue the adventure on foot within Chagres National Park. This protected area was created in 1985 to help preserve rainforests and the watershed that provides over 50% of fresh water for the operation of the Panama Canal as well as drinking water for the two largest cities in the country. We cross the watershed divide of the Boqueron River over a low mountain mass into the Nomber de Dios River basin as we head north toward the Caribbean Sea. 3 nights in Field Camps (B,L,D).
  • Day 6 Nombre De Dios - Portobelo - After four days of trekking, we finally reach the outskirts of Portobelo and then transfer by road to town, the final destination of Camino Real on the Caribbean Sea. The wealth concentrated in the Spanish royal warehouses was an irrestible target for the pirates who scoured the Spanish Main over 150 years ago. Night in waterfront lodge in Portobelo (B, L, D)
  • Day 7 Bay Of Portobelo - Panama City - This morning there will be opportunities to go snorkeling or diving or to explore the runis of the old forts that once defended the town. A farewell dinner by the Bay of Panama on the Pacific side is prepared for this evening. Night at the Holiday Inn-Panama Canal (B, L, D)
  • Day 8 Return Home - Transfer out to the airport to fly home (B)


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Also tagged with: Adventure Expeditions, Escorted Journeys, Central America, Panama, Trekking, Active Travel, Educational, Cultural, Nature / Ecology, Join-In Tour, Hosted Tours


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